Camping

Why Camp Near Yosemite (Instead of Inside)?

Yosemite National Park isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. The kind of place where granite cliffs punch through the sky, waterfalls roar like distant thunder, and ancient sequoias whisper stories older than time. But let’s be real: camping inside Yosemite can feel like trying to snag a front-row seat at a rock concert. Permits vanish fast, crowds swell in summer, and “tranquility” isn’t always guaranteed. That’s why savvy adventurers look just beyond the park’s borders for quieter, equally stunning spots to pitch a tent, park a van, or unwind under the stars. Let’s explore your options.

First Things First: How Do You Pronounce “Yosemite”?

(Psst… it’s “yoh-SEM-ih-tee.” No judgment if you’ve been saying “Yo-seh-might” for years. We’ve all been there.)